Parker's Perspective: BOOK REVIEW – It’s Your Ship by Captain Michael Abrashoff
I got to see Captain Michael Abrashoff in person at an event. He was quite impressive. His book, It’s Your Ship, Management Techniques form the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, details and outlines his wonderful message. He was blessed with some great leaders and minds to follow and emulate. Then he was given the worst ship in the Navy. When he came aboard, the crew cheered that the former captain was leaving. What a mess to walk into!The first thing he did was change their expectation by telling them to introduce themselves as “Hello, my name is…aboard the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, the USS Benfold”. This began his playbook of lead by example, listen aggressively, communicate with purpose and meaning, create a climate of trust, look for results, not salutes, take calculated risks, go beyond standard procedure, build up your people, generate unity, and improve your people’s quality of life. Each one of these is a chapter in his book and has examples and stories of how they came to be and were implemented.He really wanted the men and women aboard the Benfold to OWN the ship – think of it as theirs and suggest changes and improvements for all. These changes and improvements ended up saving money and time, and were also sent up the ranks, making changes to the US Navy. Within 2 years, they were the envy of the Navy – in combat readiness, effective at showing people how to find their own solutions, and making your ship the very best it can be. They had the best readiness, cross-training, lead by example, and camaraderie of any ship out there, which they shared with other ships as much as possible.As the captain, Michael Abrashoff saw that his “job was to create a climate that enabled people to unleash their potential. Given the right environment, there were few limits to what people can achieve.” He took those who hated the Navy because they saw no use in it for their own lives, and changed their outlook into a band of mates after “their own” goal (helping the underprivileged) – and that expanded to finding opportunities in every and any port to help. When they couldn’t see potential, Captain Abrashoff helped them to see it – and pull it out of themselves. Then let them go! His reenlistment went up to 99%.His book makes me want a business, or 5, so that I can lead like he did. Until I have those other businesses…I will treat my own corner of the world with the same playbook. What beautiful examples that show how much believing in people can do, not only for them but for all they meet. Well done, Michael, well done!
